Small-Group Skip-the-Line Prado Tour

Madrid, Spain

Highlights

Walk through history: Spanish history and its significance will unfold as the tour takes you along Spanish, Flemish, French, and Italian art.

Royal influence: Learn how Spanish kings and queens swayed political and cultural movements with every artwork they acquired.

Attention to details: Discover how esteemed artists such as Bosch, Velasquez, Rubens, and Goya painted their most famous works for their most exclusive patrons.

Essential expertise: Your docent will offer historical background on each pieces of art throughout the tour.

About This Madrid Tour

A visit to the Museo del Prado is a candid showcase of the personal tastes of the Spanish monarchs during the glory days of the Spanish Empire. From the 16th to the 19th century, Spanish kings and queens collected the works of their favorite artists with gusto.

Rather than assembling collections that were broad and comprehensive, Spanish rulers enjoyed collecting as many works as they could from their favorite artists. As a result, the Prado is often referred to as "a museum of painters, not of paintings."

The Spanish monarchs preferred paintings rich in color that emphasized emotional and sensual aspects. The first painter collected – and the one who established the foundation for future collections – was Titian.

Perhaps the most prolific collector of all the Spanish monarchs was Philip IV (1605–1665). He commissioned paintings from a large number of artists, including Rubens, Velázquez, Van Dyck, de Ribera, Lorrain, and Raphael. Under him, the Spanish Royal Collection became the greatest in Europe.

Today, the Royal Collection of the Spanish monarchy is yours to examine and enjoy at Museo del Prado. Proof that good taste ran in the family.

Feeling the paintings

From time to time the Museo del Prado allows something extraordinary: touching the paintings. The exhibition is called "Touching the Prado," and of course, it doesn't involve the original paintings. Instead, 3-D copies of masterpieces are put on display so that those who are visually impaired can "see" the painting by feeling them. Paintings like da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" and Goya's "The Parasol" have been presented this way.

Getting prepared

Meeting point

Please make your way to the Starbucks coffee shop, located within the Westin Palace Hotel, at Plaza de las Cortes, 7, Madrid 28014, just a block from the Prado. Meet your guide just inside the doorway to the Starbucks, on the left.

Helpful hints

Your Prado ticket is included in the price of this tour, so you can skip the line.As in many cities, keep your wallet or purse secured and leave the bling behind. In need of retail therapy after your tour? Your guide can advise you where to go in search of that "must have" souvenir to take home. Be sure to have some local currency and a backpack for all your great buys.

Getting around

Plan to walk for approximately 2 miles at a gentle pace. If your mobility is limited, this tour may be too challenging for you. This itinerary is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Activity type

Walking Tour, Cultural, Scenic

Transportation used

Public transportation may be used from time to time. Have local currency available for tickets. Your tour may involve walking only.

Included amenities

Ph.D. or MA-level scholar guideYour Prado ticket is included in the price of this tour, so you can skip the line.

Tour ID

TR-EUR-ESP-MADR-EN-2002

Tour Participation Requirements

Activity Level

This experience is rated moderate. Full participation may require extended periods of walking over even and uneven surfaces, steep terrain and/or water activity in a slight current. There may be steps, inclines, cobblestone surfaces, and extended periods of standing. Participants with physical limitations should take this into account.

Age restrictions

Travelers must be 13 years of age or older to participate in this tour.

Special comments

Walks are held rain or shine with some variations to accommodate the weather. If you are running late for your meeting with our guide, we ask that you call to alert us so that we can relay the message to the guide.

Great photo opportunities

Bring photo ID

Bring money

Bring water

Wear comfortable shoes

Wear Sunglasses

Wear Hat

Cancellation policy

Choose your date and time very carefully. Only a portion of this tour is refundable from the time of booking; within 72 hours of operation, it is fully non-refundable.

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General disclaimer

Your order is subject to TourTrek's Booking Ticket Agreement, including all TourTrek and GoBe policies incorporated therein.

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